Head of Security (CISO)

About this job

Head of Security (CISO) Location: Hybrid | Permanent ClearCourse is seeking an experienced Head of Security (CISO) to lead and evolve our group-wide security strategy across a diverse portfolio of 40+ software and payments businesses. Reporting to the Chief Technology & Transformation Officer, with a dotted line to the Board and Audit Committee, this is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for security governance, operations, compliance, and risk management across a complex technology estate spanning payments, healthcare, and B2B SaaS. With ongoing M&A activity, active PCI-DSS obligations, and a rapidly evolving platform landscape, you'll play a critical role in protecting our customers, supporting business growth, and embedding security across the organisation. What you'll do • Define and lead the Group's security strategy, policies, and governance framework • Provide Board-level reporting on security posture, risks, and compliance activities • Oversee security operations, including threat detection, incident response, and remediation • Act as the executive lead during security incidents and manage external stakeholder communications • Own PCI-DSS compliance across ClearAccept and ClearDebit payment platforms • Lead the Group's Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) function, including ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, PCI-DSS, and data protection obligations • Manage relationships with auditors, regulators, cyber insurers, and certification bodies • Lead security assessments and integration activities for acquisitions, driving alignment to Group standards • Partner with Platform Engineering teams to embed security practices into development lifecycles without impacting delivery velocity • Lead and develop the GRC function to support a proactive and risk-aware security culture Requirements • Previous experience operating at CISO level within a multi-product or multi-entity organisation • Hands-on experience leading PCI-DSS compliance programmes and QSA assessments • Proven expertise building and managing enterprise-wide GRC frameworks and risk registers • Experience assessing and integrating security functions following M&A activity • Strong understanding of DevSecOps principles and embedding security into engineering practices • Experience leading major security incidents, including external communications and stakeholder management • Ability to influence at Board and executive leadership level • Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing security teams Benefits • Competitive salary + benefits • 25 days holiday + your birthday off • Private medical insurance (Bupa) & health cash plan • Life assurance & income protection • Enhanced parental leave & family wellbeing support • Perkbox discounts & perks • Generous pension contributions • Hybrid working model This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead the security strategy of a fast-growing international software and payments group. You'll work at executive level, influence critical business decisions, and play a key role in safeguarding the future growth of the organisation. If you're passionate about security leadership and thrive in complex, evolving environments, we'd love to hear from you.